This paper presents the design of a simple rectangular microstrip antenna (RMSA) for wide bandwidth and large virtual size reduction. The conventional RMSA has been modified by using only microstripline feed with reduced substrate area. The modified RMSA gives 3.71% of bandwidth and resonates at 4.59 GHz. This bandwidth has been enhanced to 90.70% with a virtual size reduction of 33.33% by using a ground plane 64.50% smaller than the ground plane used in the modified RMSA. If the ground plane is reduced to 74.50% the antenna gives a highest virtual size reduction of 50%. The enhancement of bandwidth and virtual size reduction are achieved without altering the size of the rectangular patch and nature of broadband radiation characteristics. The proposed antennas are simple in their design and they may find application in WLAN.